The crowning work in the life of Ward McAllister was probably the institution of the F.C.D.C.'s, abbreviation for the Family Circle Dancing Class.

The Patriarch Balls, of which the first were given in the winters of 1872 and 1873, were growing too large and were being monopolized by the married women.

The new association was for the _jeune fille_, and was to be more limited and intimate.

Its dances were held at Dodworth's, later Delmonico's, and in the _foyer_ of the Metropolitan Opera House.

The arbiter paid the price of his greatness.